The Cheapest Flu Shot Retailers
If you dont have health insurance, employer, health department, or other source that offers free flu shots, there are a number of retailers offering discounted or cheap flu shots for the 2021-2022 flu season. And if you do have health insurance that covers flu shots , it might even be more convenient to get a free flu shot at one of these locations than going to your doctor. Most offer online scheduling.
Retailers and pharmacies usually do not offer their flu shot prices online, but thankfully I have a phone and made a few calls. Here are the flu shot prices that I found :
Heres Where You Can Get A Free Flu Vaccine Right This Second
You may have seen some ads that make it sound like you can roll into any pharmacy for a free flu vaccine. Major pharmacy chains like Walgreens, Rite Aid, CVS, Walmart, and even Costco do offer flu vaccines, but the cost depends on your specific insurance situation. Heres what to know if…
You have private insurance through a school or employer: The CDC says that most private insurance companies will allow you to get your influenza vaccine without a copayment even if you havent reached your deductible yetas long as you go through an in-network provider. That could be a doctor like your primary care provider, or it could be somewhere like a pharmacy. For example, Rite Aid accepts most major health insurance plans including Cigna and Humana, a Rite Aid spokesperson tells SELF. CVS also takes most insurance plans, and it provides a locator to help you see if theres a CVS that accepts your specific insurance, a spokesperson tells SELF. Its a similar situation with Walgreens, which says it provides coverage under most insurance plans and also has a locator so you can find locations near you that will give you a free flu vaccine.
Just in case, it still makes sense to contact your insurance provider or the pharmacy/doctor you want to see to confirm that itll be free before heading there for your flu vaccine.
How Much Do Vaccinations Like The Annual Flu Shot Cost Without Insurance
If youre uninsured, you may already know that vaccines can be expensive. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has a list on its website of the vaccines it recommends for adults and at what ages they should be given.
After you find what you need, you can get an idea of how much the vaccines cost by checking out the CDCs roster of vaccine list prices. In general, prices range from $25 to over $150 for each dose of a vaccine.
Pharmacies sometimes list their prices, and if they dont, you can ask for them. For example, the shingles vaccine is given in two shots, 2 to 6 months apart. Each dose costs about $200 without insurance at CVS.
Annual flu vaccine season generally starts in August. Even a flu shot can run you $40 to $70 if you have to pay out of pocket. For tips on how to get a free or discounted flu shot, check out GoodRxs flu shot guide.
The big exception in 2021 is the COVID-19 vaccine. This is free for everyone regardless of health insurance or immigration status no matter where you receive it.
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How To Get A Discount On Your Flu Shot
If you cant secure a free flu shot, make sure to compare prices at singlecare.com before choosing where to get your jab. You can find the least expensive location near youplus, youll see coupons to save on flu shots, flu medications, and other prescriptions you need to get you through cold and flu season.
If its your first time using your SingleCare card, you can use a coupon for an additional $5 off the price of the following brands.
Brand name |
Does Cvs At Palm Desert California Offer Flu Shots

Flu shots are available at CVS Pharmacy and MinuteClinic locations, including CVS Pharmacy and MinuteClinic locations found in Target, every day, including evenings and weekends. Schedule your flu shot ahead of time so you can get in and out faster. Provide your insurance information and answer questions online ahead of time. Find more flu shot FAQs and other flu vaccination resources.
*FOR FLU SHOTS: Flu shots available when immunizing pharmacist or MinuteClinic health care provider is on duty. Age restrictions apply. Eligible patients will not pay any copayments unless otherwise required by their plan, including Medicare Part B. Back
*FOR FLU SHOT RECOMMENDATION: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Frequently asked influenza questions: 2020-2021 season. Updated July 28, 2020. Available at: . Accessed August 3, 2020. Back
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You Should Definitely Get It Before October
Getting a flu shot as early as possible is always important. The CDC recommends getting your vaccine by October because it takes a few weeks to become effective. But if you can get one now, you probably should. Among other reasons, it will help maintain availability of both vaccines and administrators by preventing a run on flu shots when the season actually hits.
Doctors Office & Urgent Care
Check with your primary care doctor or your pediatrician to schedule your flu shot. They will provide flu shots with no out of pocket expense if you have qualifying insurance coverage. Cant make it during normal office hours? Check in with your nearby Urgent Care Center. Most locations are open until at least 8:00 p.m. and they too will offer free flu shots to those with insurance coverage.
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Can I Still Get The Flu If I’ve Been Vaccinated
Yes. Those who have been vaccinated may still get the flu. This can be caused by one or more of the following:
- Exposure to the virus before vaccination
- Exposure to the virus during the two-week period after receiving vaccination, before immunity develops.
- The possible strains of the flu that may be circulating are not included in the flu vaccine.
In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration reviews the flu data and determines the combination of viruses most likely to prevent the flu each year. Despite the amount of research that goes into the flu vaccine composition, the virus is constantly changing.
Therefore, the vaccine may not be a perfect match to the current circulating virus. The good news is, those who have been vaccinated generally have a milder case of flu than those who are unvaccinated.
Flu Shots Are Still Important This Year
Last year’s flu season may have seemed pretty mild, as mask-wearing and social distancing helped to reduce the spread of both flu and COVID-19. But with flu season on the horizon again, and many hospitals already overwhelmed by the Delta variant, we need to be especially vigilant this year – and that means getting your flu shot! Experts recommend getting the flu vaccine as early as possible, starting in September, before the virus begins to spread in the fall and winter. Even if you’re late to the party, though, it’s better to get the shot than skip it altogether.
None of us want to spend more time in a clinic or doctor’s office than we need to, which is why a quick, easy, and free flu shot at a retail location might be your best bet. A number of pharmacies, box stores, and supermarkets offer in-store flu shots for free for most people. In many cases, you don’t even need an appointment. For your convenience, we’ve put together a list of some popular locations offering free flu shots this year. Just remember to check availability at your location before heading out!
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Whats The Best Way To Find Local Flu Shot Providers
Solv is an easy and convenient way to find highly rated flu shot providers in your area. Visit our homepage and type flu shot into the search field, followed by your location. Solv will display a list of flu shot providers in your area, along with the option to call and book an appointment. Solv can give you peace of mind knowing you are getting high-quality health care for yourself and your family.
Michael is an experienced healthcare marketer and father of two. He has worked alongside healthcare leader at Johns Hopkins, Cleveland Clinic, St. Luke’s, Baylor Scott and White, HCA, and many more, and currently leads growth marketing at Solv.
Solv has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references.
- Flu Symptoms & Complications
How Much Does A Flu Shot Cost Without Insurance In 2021
The out-of-pocket cost for a flu shot is between $20 and $70. However, the price will vary depending on what kind of flu vaccine you receive. Most insurance companies will cover your flu shot at several pharmacies or urgent care facilities.
There are several types of flu shots that you may be able to get this year. The most common types of flu shots are the quadrivalent flu vaccine and the high-dose flu vaccine.
- The quadrivalent flu vaccine protects against four different flu viruses.
- The high-dose flu vaccine can be given to adults over 65 to create a more robust immune response and protection against flu viruses.
Healthcare can be expensive, whether you have insurance or not. Mira offers healthcare for just $45 per month and includes affordable virtual care services, urgent care visits, low-cost lab testing, and discounted prescriptions. and get started.
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When Should I Get A Flu Shot
The CDC recommends getting flu shots in September and October to ensure youre protected for the duration of flu season. Getting a flu shot too early can mean that your protection may fade before flu season ends. However, its never too late to get a flu shot, and theyre recommended through January.
What Kind Of Flu Shot Should I Get

You should talk to your healthcare provider to find out what flu shot is best for you, as there are several types. According to the CDC:
- Standard flu shots are generally safe for healthy kids and adults.
- High-dose flu shots are recommended for people 65 years of age and older.
- Flu shots containing adjuvant are designed for patients 65 years of age and older.
- Flu shots made with cell cultures are safe for patients with egg allergies.
- You can also get a flu vaccine via a nasal spray instead of a traditional flu shot.
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Cvs To Offer Uninsured Patients Free Flu Shots
WOONSOCKET, R.I. CVS Caremark is partnering with nonprofit Direct Relief USA to offer up to $5 million in free flu shots to community clinic and health center patients who lack health insurance, the company announced on Wednesday.
Direct Relief USA works with 1,100 clinics and health centers in all 50 states, providing them with free medications and supplies for their low-income and uninsured patients. Most of the facilities in Direct Relief’s network are affiliated with either the National Association of Community Health Centers or the National Association of Free Clinics. CVS Caremark and Direct Relief USA will distribute vouchers redeemable for a free flu shot at any CVS/pharmacy or MinuteClinic to participating clinics and health centers. These facilities will identify uninsured individuals from their existing patient populations in order to provide them with a free flu shot voucher.
Beginning Sept. 20, CVS free flu shot vouchers for the uninsured will be available at participating community clinic and health centers for their existing patients. Names and locations of participating clinics will be made available on Sept. 20.
Your Primary Care Physician May Offer Free Flu Shots
Depending on your insurance plan, occupation and location, your family doctor or primary care physician may offer flu shots free of charge. In some areas, including New York City, your insurance co-pay may also be waived if your flu shot is the primary reason for your visit to an in-network doctor. Other locations may offer a sliding scale for the cost of the actual visit.
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The Cost Of Other Vaccines
The cost of recommended vaccines varies depending on your insurance plan. If you have private insurance, you will likely get most of the recommended vaccines for free or with a small copayment.
If you are covered by Medicare Part B, you will be able to get some vaccines for little to no cost. The included vaccines are the flu shot, pneumococcal disease vaccine, and the hepatitis B vaccine if you have a pre-existing condition. If you are covered by Medicare part D, you will be able to get the shingles vaccine and the Tdap vaccine for little to no cost.
The cost of vaccines for adults who are covered by Medicaid varies significantly by state. If you are covered by Medicaid, you will likely access a flu shot for little to no cost. If you are not covered by insurance, the out-of-pocket cost of vaccines varies depending on the vaccine type and where you are vaccinated.
Below we outlined the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and private sector costs for some adult vaccines. Note that the prices may be highest due to additional fees at your testing location.
Get Discounted Flu Shots Near You
All prices include the administration fee.
Prices valid as of September 2021, and subject to change without notice.
If you happen to bring in a coupon for one vaccine, and your pharmacist recommends another, dont worry! Your pharmacist can use your coupon to pull up all of the different flu shot prices offered through GoodRx at their pharmacy if they are part of the GoodRx Flu Vaccine Program.
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Flu Shots Now Available At Cvs Pharmacy And Minuteclinic
Nearly three quarters of Americans say they plan to get a flu shot this year, with 45 percent planning on getting their vaccine at a retail pharmacy
WOONSOCKET, R.I. CVS Health is reminding Americans that as the country continues to deal with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic it is more important than ever to stay current with vaccinations and other routine health care needs. By getting a flu shot this fall and taking other proactive measures to improve general health and immunity, individuals and families can protect themselves against seasonal flu and help safeguard the overall health of the community.
According to a survey commissioned by CVS Health Flu Intention Survey, commissioned by CVS Health in June 2021 and conducted among a general population of U.S. consumers, consumers intention to get vaccinated against seasonal flu increased five percentage points from June 2020 to June 2021, with 71 percent of those surveyed saying they definitely or likely will get a flu shot this season. In addition, 45 percent of consumers surveyed said they planned to get a flu shot at a retail pharmacy, the most preferred destination cited, followed by a doctors office .
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that individuals make plans to get vaccinated early in the fall, before flu season begins, and ideally no later than the end of October.
Video and photo assets from MinuteClinic and CVS Pharmacy are available in the CVS Health Media Gallery.
Cvs To Offer $5m In Free Flu Shots
- Publish date: Sep 9, 2010 10:00 AM EDT
CVS Caremark is partnering with Direct Relief USA to offer $5 million in free flu shots to community clinic and health center patients lacking health insurance. < br /> < br /> CVS Caremark announced Wednesday it will partner with Direct Relief USA to offer $5 million in free flu shots to community clinic and health center patients lacking health insurance.
CVS Caremark announced Wednesday it will partner with Direct Relief USA to offer $5 million in free flu shots to community clinic and health center patients lacking health insurance.
Vouchers redeemable for a free flu shot at any CVS location will be distributed to participating clinics and health centers that work with Direct Relief USA. The nonprofit organiziation already provides medications and supplies to 1,100 free clinics and health centers nationwide.
These facilities will in turn identify uninsured individuals from their existing patient populations and provide them with the free flu shot voucher beginning on Sept. 20. The names and locations of participating clinics will be formally released that day.
We think great because all of these clinics are struggling mightily due to the recession, Thomas Tighe, CEO of Direct Relief USA, told MainStreet. Tighe explained that the donations financially plug a hole for patients who otherwise may not have been able to afford the $30 vaccination.
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The Best Flu Shot Deals At Cvs Target Publix And More
If youre looking for a place to get a flu shot, theres a good chance your local pharmacys immunization program has what you need. But as youll see, some pharmacies may have better flu shot prices and deals than others.
In this article, Im going to show you some major grocery and pharmacy chains offering flu shot deals as of September 2021.
Does Cvs At Topeka Kansas Offer Flu Shots

Flu shots are available at CVS Pharmacy and MinuteClinic locations, including CVS Pharmacy and MinuteClinic locations found in Target, every day, including evenings and weekends. Schedule your flu shot ahead of time so you can get in and out faster. Provide your insurance information and answer questions online ahead of time. Find more flu shot FAQs and other flu vaccination resources.
*FOR FLU SHOTS: Flu shots available when immunizing pharmacist or MinuteClinic health care provider is on duty. Age restrictions apply. Eligible patients will not pay any copayments unless otherwise required by their plan, including Medicare Part B. Back
*FOR FLU SHOT RECOMMENDATION: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Frequently asked influenza questions: 2020-2021 season. Updated July 28, 2020. Available at: . Accessed August 3, 2020. Back
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